System, method and apparatus for driver training system with stress management

Abstract

A training system has sensors that monitor at least one biological parameter. During training, a stress level is determined/calculated based upon data from the sensors and, if the stress level is out of bounds, the training is modified and/or personnel are notified. For example, if the stress level is too high, the training is slowed or stopped and a trainer is notified.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A training system, the training system providing training on operation of a vehicle to a trainee, the trainee seated in the training system, the training system comprising:
 a computer, the computer having a storage device; 
 a plurality of training segments stored on the storage device and accessible by the computer; 
 one or more graphics displays; 
 a sensor, the sensor configured to measure at least one biological indicator of stress in the trainee; 
 software running on the computer, the software presents the training segments to the trainee, simulating operation of the vehicle under control of the trainee through operator controls, the operator controls including at least a steering device, a shifting device, and a throttle, the steering device, the shifting device, and the throttle within the training system; 
 the software reads data from the sensor and the software calculates a stress level of the trainee from the data; 
 the software modifies operation of the training system based upon the stress level of the trainee; and 
 if the stress level exceeds a predetermined threshold, the software notifies a trainer, the trainer being in the location of the training system. 
 
     
     
       2. The training system of  claim 1 , wherein the software modifies operation of the training system to increase difficulty based upon the stress level of the trainee being below a boredom threshold. 
     
     
       3. The training system of  claim 1 , wherein the software modifies operation of the training system to decrease difficulty based upon the stress level of the trainee being above a warning threshold. 
     
     
       4. The training system of  claim 1 , wherein the software modifies operation of the training system to decrease difficulty based upon the stress level of the trainee being above a severe threshold. 
     
     
       5. The training system of  claim 4 , wherein the software further notifies a trainer based upon the stress level of the trainee being above the severe threshold. 
     
     
       6. The training system of  claim 1 , wherein the data includes a heart rate of the trainee. 
     
     
       7. The training system of  claim 1 , wherein the data includes a body temperature of the trainee. 
     
     
       8. The training system of  claim 1 , wherein the data includes a facial expression of the trainee. 
     
     
       9. The training system of  claim 1 , wherein the data includes vocal sounds made by the trainee. 
     
     
       10. A method of training a trainee in use of a vehicle, the method using a training system having a computer that includes a storage device, the storage device having stored within a plurality of training segments; the training system including a sensor, the sensor configured to measure at least one biological indicator of stress in the trainee, the training system including a seat where the trainee sits during the simulation; the method includes:
 (a) presenting one of the training segments on a monitor of the training system; 
 (a′) monitoring inputs from the trainee, the inputs controlling the operation of the training system, the inputs from at least a steering mechanism, a throttle mechanism, and a shifting mechanism, the steering device, the shifting device, and the throttle within the training system; 
 (b) reading data from the sensor; 
 (c) determining a stress level of the trainee from the data; 
 (d) comparing the stress level to a pre-determined value; 
 (e) if the step of comparing indicates an abnormal stress level, initiating steps to alleviate the stress level, wherein the steps to alleviate the stress level include notifying a trainer, the trainer being in the location of the training system; 
 (f) repeating steps a-e. 
 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 10 , wherein the steps to alleviate the stress level include slowing the presenting of the one of the training segments. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 10 , wherein the steps to alleviate the stress level include increasing a speed of the presenting of the one of the training segments. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 10 , wherein the steps to alleviate the stress level include stopping the presenting one of the training segments. 
     
     
       14. A system for training a trainee regarding the use of a vehicle the training system having a seat in which the trainee sits, the system comprising:
 a computer; 
 a plurality of training segments accessible by the computer; 
 a display operatively interfaced to the computer; 
 means for receiving driving controls from the trainee, the driving controls received from at least a steering device, a shifting device, and a throttle; 
 means for displaying one or more of the training segments sequentially on the display to simulate operation of the vehicle, the one or more training segments changed responsive to the driving controls from the trainee; 
 at least one sensor, the at least one sensor configured to measure at least one biological indicator of stress in the trainee; 
 software running on the computer calculates a stress level of the trainee from the at least one sensor; 
 means for taking action based upon undesired stress levels, the means for taking action including at least notifying a trainer if the stress level of the trainee exceeds a predetermined value. 
 
     
     
       15. The system for training a trainee regarding the use of a vehicle of  claim 14 , wherein the means for taking action includes slowing the displaying one or more of the training segments. 
     
     
       16. The system for training a trainee regarding the use of a vehicle of  claim 14 , wherein the means for taking action includes increasing a speed of the displaying one or more of the training segments. 
     
     
       17. The system for training a trainee regarding the use of a vehicle of  claim 14 , wherein the means for taking action includes stopping of the displaying one or more of the training segments.